Fluffy and Soft Cream Cheese Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food that your whole family will adore. The combination of creamy cheese, aromatic garlic, and soft, pillowy bread makes it an irresistible treat.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The garlic sauce adds a burst of flavor, while the mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a deliciously gooey and savory bread. Enjoy it warm from the oven for the best experience!
Recipe:
Ingredients:
Bread Dough:
- 300g bread flour
- 140ml warm milk (add gradually)
- 6g (1 Tbsp) instant dry yeast
- 15g (1.5 Tbsp) sugar
- 58g (1 room temperature egg)
- 5g (1.5 tsp) salt
- 20g (1 Tbsp) room temperature unsalted butter
- 40g (2 Tbsp) room temperature cream cheese
Garlic Sauce:
- 70g room temperature unsalted butter
- 36g (2 Tbsp) minced garlic
- 16g (1 Tbsp) honey (or sugar)
- 1g (1 Tbsp) parsley
Toppings:
- 140g mozzarella cheese
Before Baking:
- Room temperature egg water (egg wash)
After Baking:
- 10g (1 Tbsp) melted butter
- Parsley for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
- Warm the milk to a temperature that is comfortable to touch (about human body temperature).
- Dissolve 6g of instant dry yeast and 15g of sugar in the warm milk.
- Add 58g of room temperature egg and mix well.
- In a separate large bowl, combine 300g of bread flour and 5g of salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour, stirring to combine.
Knead the Dough:
- Once the mixture starts coming together, add 20g of room temperature unsalted butter and 40g of room temperature cream cheese.
- Knead the dough gently by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too moist, you can add a little more flour as needed.
First Fermentation:
- Place the dough in a warm place to ferment until it has doubled or tripled in size. This usually takes about 1 hour at 35-36°C (95-97°F).
Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix 70g of room temperature unsalted butter, 36g of minced garlic, 16g of honey (or sugar), and 1g of parsley. Mix until well combined and set aside.
Prepare the Dough for Baking:
- After the dough has fermented, degas it by pressing gently.
- Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and flatten the dough to a thickness of about 6-7mm.
- Spread the garlic sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle 140g of mozzarella cheese over the garlic sauce.
Shape the Dough:
- Cut the dough into square pieces that fit your baking tin (22cm wide, 10cm long, 9.5cm high).
- Layer the pieces of dough into the baking tin one by one.
Second Fermentation:
- Allow the dough to ferment at room temperature for another 20-30 minutes.
Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F).
- Brush the top of the dough with egg wash.
Bake the Bread:
- Place the baking tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
Finish and Serve:
- After baking, brush the top of the bread with 10g of melted unsalted butter.
- Sprinkle parsley over the top for garnish.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including fermentation) | Kcal: 300 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Benefits of Homemade Garlic Bread
Healthier Choice
Making garlic bread at home allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that you’re using fresh, high-quality components. This recipe uses real butter, garlic, and cheese, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought versions that often contain preservatives and artificial flavors.
Customizable
One of the best things about homemade garlic bread is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. For example:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread flour.
- Vegan: Replace butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Low-Fat: Use low-fat cheese and reduce the amount of butter.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread
Using Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic will give a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. Similarly, freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer taste than pre-shredded options.
Proper Kneading Technique
Kneading the dough correctly is crucial for achieving the desired texture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which typically takes about 10 minutes by hand. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
Fermentation Time
The fermentation process is essential for developing the bread’s flavor and texture. Ensure the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area to allow it to rise properly. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or use a proofing box.
Pairing Suggestions
Soups:
- Tomato Basil Soup: The creamy and tangy tomato soup complements the rich and buttery garlic bread.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The cheesy soup pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy garlic bread.
Salads:
- Caesar Salad: The crisp and tangy Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich bread.
- Greek Salad: The light and flavorful Greek salad, with its feta cheese and olives, pairs well with the garlic and cheese flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
- Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F) and warm the bread for about 10 minutes or until it is heated through.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat the bread in a microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the bread to keep it from drying out, and heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Nutritional Benefits
Despite being a treat, this garlic bread offers some nutritional benefits:
- Protein: The egg and cheese in the bread provide a good amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Calcium: Cheese is a great source of calcium, which is vital for healthy bones and teeth.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Garlic is known for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure.